Is papaya safe to consume in pregnancy

Yes, it is safe to eat papaya during pregnancy, as long as it is ripe. A well ripened papaya is rich in vitamins C and E. It is also a good source of fibre and folic acid.

Papaya helps to prevent and control constipation and heartburn.
For these reasons, many experts recommend that pregnant women eat moderate amounts of ripe papaya.

Some women make a tonic by blending portions of ripe papaya with milk and honey. This mixture is considered a rich source of nutrients for pregnant and nursing mums.
However if the papaya is unripe, then no, it isn't safe.

An unripe or semi-ripe papaya is rich in a substance called latex. Research shows that this concentrated form of latex may trigger uterine contractions. Also, papaya skin and seeds shouldn't be eaten.

As a safety measure, many pregnant mums exclude papaya from their diets altogether. Despite the research, it is a traditional belief that eating papaya can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. If you're still unsure about whether to eat papaya, talk to your doctor.